How much time should you spend on each step of your skin care routine?

Skin care can be a very lengthy process if you want it to be. Some people even employ 12 steps from start to finish to get their skin looking perfect. Do you ever wonder if you’re spending enough time on each step in your routine? We outlined how much time you should allocate to your routine and each step along the way. You should have a better sense of where to invest or conserve time doing after reading this.

Morning Routine – 5 To 8 Minutes

In the morning you are probably very busy and don’t have a ton of time to devote to your skin care routine. There are still some basics you should cover to ensure that your skin is clean and ready for make up application.

Step #1 Cleanse (3-5 Minutes)

After a night’s worth of sleep there is sweat, oil and build-up on your face that has to be removed. Use a gentle cleanser to lift dirt and impurities from your skin and refresh it. If you have dry or sensitive skin use a cream-based product formulated with ceramides or humectants to help it feel supple rather than tight. Garnier SkinActive’s Clean+ Makeup Removing Lotion is free of fragrance, alcohol and dye. The formula, infused with plant extract, leaves skin feeling moisturized and protected. You can give your skin a quick and easy cleanse in the AM leaving it feeling soft and conditioned.

For oilier skin types cleansing with a product formulated specifically for this skin type and includes glycolic or salicylic acid can help regulate oil production throughout the day and provide you with a clean and smooth-looking complexion. Also look for formulas with active ingredients that can help deep clean your pores before you embark on your day. We recommend Garnier SkinActive’ Shine Control Gel formulated with both charcoal and salicylic acid to purify pores. It draws out impurities like a magnet. Your skin will feel soft and clean after using this product.

Step #2 Antioxidants + SPF (2-3 Minutes)

A good way to get your skin ready for the day and help protect it for any environmental aggressors such as pollution and the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays is by using a product formulated with antioxidants and SPF. You can get both in one place with an antioxidant SPF moisturizer such as Garnier SkinActive’s Clearly Brighter Brightening & Smoothing Moisturizer SPF15. It is formulated with an antioxidant complex of Vitamin C and E, pine bark essence and gently exfoliating lipo-hydroxyl acid (LHA). The light fluid protects your skin from the sun’s rays and also helps protect your skin from free radicals, which can damage skin. Apply to clean skin and make sure you cover your entire face.

Evening Routine – 9-15 Minutes

Step #1 Micellar Water (3-5 Minutes)

Micellar water is an easy and effective way to remove make up, grease, sweat and dirt from you’re your face. The transparent liquid attracts and lifts dirt, oil and make up off your skin like a magnet. This one step wonder effectively cleanses skin and will ensure you get ready for bed super quickly especially on days when you’re tired.

Step #2 Antioxidants For Dark Spots (3-5 Minutes)

Nighttime is the perfect time to apply products that help even skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Dark spots won’t go away overnight, but with the right formulas they can fade over time. Antioxidant skin care, particularly products formulated with Vitamin C can really help in this instance. Try Garnier SkinActive’s Clearly Brighter Overnight Leave-On Peel. It’s a gentle, yet powerful leave-on peel with glycolic alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA) and Vitamin C. It effectively evens skin tone and reduces the look of dark spots while you sleep.

Step #3 Moisturize (3-5 Minutes)

Cap off your nightly skin care efforts by moisturizing your skin. All skin types need hydration, you just need to find the right product to suit your needs. If you’re looking for something refreshing try Garnier SkinActive’s Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream. It’s oil-free and locks in moisture for 24 hours. Your skin will look and feel hydrated. Gently massage this moisturizer into your skin with an upward motion to let it truly seep onto skin. This step will help you wake up with fresh-looking skin.